Pothole payouts cost Scottish councils £1,600 a day

COUNCILS are spending more than £1,600 a day compensating drivers whose cars are damaged by potholes.

A total of more than £2.7million has been paid to motorists by Scottish councils over five years [PA]

Motorists in Scotland were reimbursed to the tune of £584,745 in 2012/13, with the five-year total now standing at more than £2.7million.

The amounts paid out by local authorities for repairs, such as burst tyres and suspension damage, vary considerably.

Last year, Glasgow paid out nearly £360,000, by far the highest in Scotland. Aberdeenshire was forced to settle £34,000 worth of claims, and the figure in Edinburgh was more than £27,000.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone MSP said: “The true damage is likely to be far higher, because many drivers can’t face going through official channels to try and recoup the money.”

The figures come as the number of pothole-related claims received by one rural insurance company, rose by 21 per cent between 2012 and 2013. NFU Mutual warned that some country roads in a bad state of repair could be closed altogether.

The true damage is likely to be far higher, because many drivers can’t face going through official channels to try and recoup the money

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone

Nicki Whittaker, of NFU Mutual, said: “The rural road network is essential for businesses and gives people vital access to schools, healthcare and other services. They are the arteries of the countryside.”

Cosla’s Development, Economy and Sustainability spokesman, Cllr Stephen Hagan, partly blamed the compensation culture for the rise in cases, together will the council tax freeze and harsh winters.

He added: “Councils have been actively addressing the condition of roads despite reduced budgets over the last few years through road asset management plans.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said it had given councils more than £10.3billion to spend on “local needs and priorities” including road maintenance.